May 18, 2007

Hide it? Why should I hide it? It has a cool translucent case and all of those blinky leds. I love watching that thing!

One word: Accuracy

The easiest and most effective way to reduce variability and improve accuracy with your g-Analyst is to properly mount it.
Traditional accelerometer-based testing units have been mounted either on the dash of the vehicle or the windshield. Why? Convenience (not accuracy).

May 09, 2007

OK, this seems pretty obvious, but maybe not. The road surface that you test on is very important. Here are some things to look for:

- Safety is #1. A closed course is best. Avoid roads with entrances such as driveways, on-ramps, intersections, etc.
- Flat is best, but gently rolling, or gently slopped will do in a pinch.
- Pay attention to the surface conditions. Potholes and washboard are not your friends.

Step 2: Get a buddy

You need to drive - period. Fumbling with test equipment and driving is best left to professionals on a closed course.

Step 3: Be consistent with your launch

Your goal is to launch exactly the same way every time. If you have an automatic, brake-torque and step-off at the same RPM. If you have a manual, dump the clutch at the same RPM. The more variables that you can hold constant, the more accurate your results will be.